Surgical disc removal tool

Abstract

A tissue removal device including customizable tips and method of use thereof. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft having a removable tip attached to the outer shaft and a rotatable inner shaft extending through the outer shaft and having a rotatable cutting portion extending from the inner shaft. Disc material may be cut and removed from a surgical area using an auger-like and / or suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue away from the surgical area.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 683,320, filed Apr. 10, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 319,895, filed on Jun. 30, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,028,517, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 057,116 filed on Oct. 18, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,801,738, which is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 13 / 362,440 filed on Jan. 31, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,726, the contents of these applications being incorporated herein in their entireties for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE[0002]1. Field of the Present Disclosure[0003]The present disclosure is generally directed to a surgical device. More specifically, the disclosure may be directed to a surgical device that facilitates the removal of tissue.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]A spine comprises a series of small bones referred to as vertebrae. Spin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent describes a device for removing tissue from the spinal disc that improves on existing methods without relying only on suction. It includes an outer shaft, a threaded shaft, and a customizable tip that can be used with different shafts or cutting instruments. The device also has a collection chamber with transparent material and a pluggable hole or port for easy customization. The flexible cutting blade can be expanded or contracted for different cutting needs, and the removable tip can be in different forms, such as a curette with teeth or an open window. The technical effects include improved versatility and efficiency in removing spinal disc tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Severe, even debilitating, pain can result from such damage.

However, each conventional device suffers from one or more drawbacks.

Conventional devices exist which suffer from the problem of being purely manual.

Additionally, such manual devices require significantly more time to complete the procedure as opposed to devices which have one or more powered, or otherwise mechanical, components.

However, merely providing for a powered device that facilitates removal of tissue associated with a spinal disc does not completely remedy the drawbacks of conventional devices.

Many existing powered disc removal devices require expensive capital equipment to power the device.

Additionally, surgeons are reluctant to use powered devices designed for removal of at least a portion of tissue associated with a spinal disc because the devices are overpowered or lack proper safety measures.

Furthermore, conventional devices have drawbacks in their ability to remove tissue associated with the spinal disc that has been severed.

Such an approach includes various drawbacks, including requiring a device capable of generating the suction.

This requires at least the extra capital expense of purchasing a device capable of generating the requisite suction.

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